Analyst makes a concerning comment on Thatcher Demko's timeline
In a recent appearance on Donnie and Dhali: The Team, NHL analyst John Shannon weighed in on the Vancouver Canucks' decision to keep quiet about Thatcher Demko's injury timeline.
During the segment, Shannon emphasized the wisdom behind the team's approach, particularly given the unpredictable nature of Demko's situation.
Shannon explained that for an injury as uncertain as Demko's, it's not only smart but necessary to avoid setting a public timeline. The Canucks are not entirely sure of the recovery time themselves. This uncertainty leaves too much room for speculation. Shannon added that providing a timeline could easily backfire if Demko's recovery doesn't follow a precise schedule. Should he take longer to heal than expected, it could stir up unnecessary media frenzy, with reporters and fans fixating on missed deadlines rather than focusing on the player's well-being.
Adding another layer of complexity, it has been widely reported that Demko will likely need to manage pain for the foreseeable future. His injury, while not fully disclosed, seems to be something that may linger, requiring him to adapt and play through discomfort. Managing the pain effectively will be just as crucial as the physical recovery itself, and for Demko, finding that balance could be a long-term challenge.
This approach by the Canucks seems to be a protective measure, not only for Demko but also for the team's overall stability. Injuries are unpredictable, and setting expectations that might not be met only serves to increase pressure on both the athlete and the organization. By keeping details vague, the Canucks can maintain a level of control over the narrative, preventing any media circus from spiraling out of control if things don't go as planned.
Ultimately, Shannon underscored the importance of patience in these situations, especially when dealing with a player as crucial to the team's success as Demko. The last thing the Canucks need is external pressure dictating the terms of his recovery. By keeping things under wraps, they're allowing Demko the time he needs to heal fully, and if necessary, learn how to manage the pain in a way that doesn't compromise his long-term health or performance.
| POLL | ||
What month do you expect to see Thatcher Demko get his first start? | ||
| October | 29 | 15.8 % |
| November | 76 | 41.3 % |
| December | 43 | 23.4 % |
| 2025 | 36 | 19.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
